Team continues to downplay Tebow's presence

As one of the NFL's highest-paid and most visible athletes, Tom Brady's list of concerns is short. And it doesn't include handling extra attention that might come as a result of being Tim Tebow's teammate with the New England Patriots.

"I don't worry about much these days. I've been around long enough to see all different kinds of things happen -- like I said, trades, people being cut, guys joining the team, all the media attention with what happened in 2007, post-Super Bowls, tough losses," said Brady. "It comes with the territory. I think everyone is prepared to deal with some level of different things that happen on a daily basis and to be mentally tough enough to push through and still be able to do your job at a high level is most important."

Brady had to downplay his sway over the personnel department in March, when the Patriots lost Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos in free agency. Welker, Brady's close friend and offseason workout partner, was quickly replaced by St. Louis Rams unrestricted free agent Danny Amendola. The Patriots also cut Brandon Lloyd, who signed a three-year deal in 2012 as a free agent from the Rams.

"We've had a lot of turnover this year, especially at that position." Brady said. "Really there hasn't been anyone that we've thrown to in any game action. That's going to be really important as the process develops."

Tebow is trying to adapt to a new city, organization, offense and teammates. Owner Robert Kraft said coach Bill Belichick did discuss Tebow with him before the 25-year-old free agent signed Monday.

Kraft said having "the greatest quarterback of all time" in Brady remains the most important piece of the puzzle. In Tebow, Kraft said the Patriots are simply surrounding themselves with more "good people."

"I think he's hard working and very cooperative. I don't think there's any coach who wouldn’t like to have a team full of people like he is," said Kraft.

Belichick downplayed Tebow's presence for the second consecutive day but Kraft did offer his own evaluation of the career 47.9 percent passer.

"He's a lot better than I am. Actually watching him yesterday, I was just out there for a short period, but to me he looked pretty good," Kraft said. "It's fun having him here. ... It's nice to have three quarterbacks that can throw it very well."

Brady's work ethic and off-field practices are the stuff of legend. He stopped short of saying he'd taken Tebow under his wing, but said communication between quarterbacks -- including backup Ryan Mallett -- is neverending.

"We constantly talk. I've been lucky to play with so many good quarterbacks over the course of my career and I've learned from every one of them, starting with Drew (Bledose) and Damon Huard and John Friesz and Michael Bishop and Jim Miller and Vinny (Testaverde) and (Doug) Flutie and (Matt) Cassel and (Brian) Hoyer," Brady said. "We've always had a really strong group and a very close group. I'm excited to have Tim."

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